2011 NFL Mock Draft - Week 11

The Panthers could sure use some Luck.

1. Carolina Panthers - QB Andrew Luck, Stanford. What I said when the Bills had the first pick: "For years I have said if you end up with the first overall pick and you need a QB, then you take a QB." Well, no reason to back off that sentiment now. Sure, the Panthers have Jimmy Clausen, but have you seen him this year? Well, probably not, because no one watches Panthers games. And Tony Pike is so good they started a guy last Sunday who was watching games on the couch like the rest of us the previous week. Best case scenario, Clausen becomes good and they can get a first round pick for him.
2. Cincinnati Bengals - DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson. You want to know an amazing stat? The Bengals have 10 sacks on the year, and their leader is Chris Crocker with 2. Yes, A SAFETY LEADS THE TEAM IN SACKS WITH ONLY TWO! Bowers has more sacks this year then the Bengals have as a team, and if him and Carlos Dunlap can continue to improve, they could have a dangerous defensive end tandem. Both guys are at least 6'4 and 280 pounds.

3. Detroit Lions - CB Patrick Peterson, LSU. The Lions are starting to look hapless again after the year started so promising. But it's not all bad, because this team is still very starved for talent. Especially in the secondary. Now they get their pick of the best cornerback in the draft. I like Peterson more then Amukamara because he has better speed. But really, they are both pretty good.

4. Buffalo Bills - QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas. This is more of me showing mercy on Bills fans then what I think will actually happen. Ryan Fitzpatrick is putting up great fantasy stats, but you don't win with a guy of his limited ability as your starter. Mallett is not a great fit for Chan Gailey's offense, but do you really think Gailey will be around that long? Mallett has played better and better as the season has gone on and I think he will be a top 10 lock. But the Bills have been drafting like a bunch of chimpanzees are in the war room in recent years, and could completely ignore needs once again.

5. Arizona Cardinals - CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska. In actuality, the Cardinals would probably be able to take Ryan Mallett here. But since I have the Bills not being idiots, they are in a tough spot. Have to hope a decent quarterback is available in round two. Now they could go with Robert Quinn to help a miserable pass rush, Prince Amukamara to help a miserable secondary or a luxury pick in AJ Green. I went with Amukamara, since Quinn hasn't played this year and a team this bad can't afford luxury.

6. San Francisco 49ers - DE/OLB Robert Quinn, North Carolina. The 49ers don't have a ton of glaring holes other then the quarterback position, but like the Cardinals, they miss out on Mallett here and it is just too early for Jake Locker. They could go with Marcell Dareus here but I like their defensive line. The starting outside linebackers are also playing well, but they have only 6 sacks on the year. A 3-4 team would like to get more pressure from their outside guys. Quinn could be a terror there.

Green, McCoy and Hillis? Not bad.

7. Cleveland Browns - WR AJ Green, Georgia. Pretty much a dream scenario for the Browns. Green is the most talented offensive player in this draft, and to have him slip down to the 7th spot would be great for Browns fans. Especially since they seem to have found their quarterback and running back of the future.

8. Dallas Cowboys - DE Marcell Dareus, Alabama. The Cowboys are another team that doesn't have the holes of a team picking in the top 10. But they do have some glaring needs. Luckily for them Dareus hasn't been picked yet. He is a classic 3-4 end who would be a huge upgrade and give the great nose tackle Jay Ratliff someone to work with.

9. Denver Broncos - DE/OLB Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue. The Broncos sure do miss Elvis Dummervill. They just have no pass rush this year, with only 14 sacks. The defensive line is equally as pathetic, but pass rushers are usually easier to find in the first round. Kerrigan may not have the most talent in the world, but the guy is terrorizing opposing quarterbacks this year and would be a very good fit as outside linebacker.
10. Minnesota Vikings - DT Nick Fairley, Auburn. For years the Williams wall has been the cornerstone of the Vikings defense. However, this year, the whole defensive line has been a disappointment. Pat Williams is nearing 40, so they could bring in his replacement. The Vikings could use a pass rush from the tackle position, and Fairley has the strength and speed to do just that. Jake Locker is also a possibility, but I still think it's just too high for him. Although Tavaris Jackson's biggest supporter was just shown the door.

Chan Gailey may not be around for long, but I find it hard to believe the hapless Bills will take any QB other than Luck. Since Luck will most likely not be available when they pick, I think they go defensive BPA.

As for SF, there defensive line has not generated much pressure and Shawtae Spencer has been average to put it kindly this season. There is talk once Singletary and crew are fired, SF will be switching back to a 43 defense. Marcel Dareus will be the pick, if Peterson and Amukamara are not on the board.